Ari Lehman is an American performing artist, composer, and actor best known for his portrayal of the child Jason Voorhees in the iconic Paramount horror film “Friday the 13th,” marking him as the inaugural actor to embody the horror film legend. Lehman’s career trajectory spans various creative realms, from acting to music, showcasing his diverse talents and passions.

Following the success of “Friday the 13th,” Lehman made New York City his base, where he pursued studies in Big Band Orchestration and Jazz Piano at New York University under notable mentors like Vladimir Shafranov. His musical journey led him to collaborate with Reggae and African music performers, touring extensively across the United States, Europe, and West Africa, and recording with esteemed labels such as Tuff Gong Records and Interscope Records.

Relocating to Chicago in 2002, Lehman ventured into creating his own world rock and reggae band, the Ari Ben Moses Band, garnering attention for his distinctive fusion sound. However, it was his enduring connection with horror enthusiasts that reignited his path in the genre. Inspired by their encouragement, Lehman founded First Jason, a punk metal band dedicated to catering to the fervent fan base of Jason Voorhees and “Friday the 13th.”

In addition to his musical endeavors, Lehman has made significant contributions to the world of independent cinema, crafting and performing soundtracks for acclaimed films such as Alexia Anastasio’s “Salome” and Vamp Films’ “Vampire the Movie,” the latter earning him the prestigious 2007 Rondo Award for Best Independent Feature. Lehman’s multifaceted career continues to evolve, with notable recent collaborations including a feature on the acoustic rendition of Ice Nine Kills’ track “Thank God It’s Friday” from the album “The Silver Scream Final Cut” in 2019, showcasing his enduring influence and versatility in the entertainment industry.